Does every day feel like Friday the 13th when you’re searching for a job? Help turn things around with these tips.
If you can’t figure out how to reverse bad luck in your job hunt, follow our seven tips:
1. Revisit the basics
Knowing how to write a resume and cover letter will give you your first opportunity to make a good impression with potential employers. Make sure your materials are up-to-date, typo-free and customized for the job for which you're applying.
2. Work with a staffing agency
Staffing specialists can help reverse bad luck in a job hunt. Choose a staffing agency that specializes in your field in order to get expert advice, access to industry connections and the chance to build new skills.
3. Establish a solid online presence
Many employers use LinkedIn to look for potential job candidates, so make sure your profile is current. Tidy up your social media profiles, too. You don’t want an inappropriate picture or off-color comment to reduce your chances of getting an interview. And don't forget to periodically check your privacy settings.
4. Keep building a bigger network
It’s not what you know; it’s who you know. LinkedIn is great, but you'll also want to do some in-person networking. Expand your network to include friends of friends, former colleagues and members of professional associations. Carry business cards at all times for when you bump into someone unexpectedly.
5. Scour the job boards
Check out job search sites that list positions in your field as well as general job boards like CareerBuilder and Monster. Signing up to receive alerts about available jobs that match your specifications will save time in your search.
6. Make some cold calls
Reversing your bad luck may mean stepping out of your comfort zone. Make a list of companies where you’d like to work, research them online and reach out via email to ask about the possibility of doing informational interviews.
7. Diligently prepare for interviews
Review our interview tips and do everything in your power to make a good impression by dressing appropriately, researching the organization and preparing for common interview questions.
